African American Mutual Assistance Network Inc

Since the time I started volunteering for this Organization. I’ve had nothing but great experiences. All my questions are answered. I’m never left frustrated. So far, this has been my favorite organization to volunteer for. CEO is Great, kind and very understanding. I recommend this nonprofit to anyone that needs assistance. Service and support thumbs up.

The work is fulfilling, easy to learn and helps you to see just how big the country is and how far certain companies can reach or even start. The founder, Cecil, is very kind and will take the time to help you understand his non-profit and your role.

Absolutely wonderful, provides community resources and assistance to those in need. I recommend AAMAN to anyone.

I work for Habitat for Humanity and we were seeking help with our Affordable Housing Advocacy and Cecil at AAMAN has risen to the challenge by sharing our survey with his members and volunteering himself to be our our Advocacy Committee. Our community is a better place because of their work.

AAMAN is a wonderful organization. They promote knowledge and acceptance. This organization has helped bring Juneteenth into Western Wisconsin. And they help children from all backgrounds with literacy.
All three of our children benefited from AAMAN’s literacy programs.

AAMAN has made a commitment to our community through many different approaches. In each they show a rapport with young people and community leaders both local and statewide. They are creative and reach out to provide unexpected help using a holistic approach combining love, high expectations and discipline or firmness.

They are well organized to be able to do all that they do but they are also creative in the moment while visionary to see new opportunities for the future. Our community is lucky to have them.

The part of the program where I volunteered was Clara Fields, the early reading program.
The director had a very strong knowledge of the subject matter and maintained a wonderful combination of fun and learning for the children. It was clear that the families valued the program highly because younger siblings were signed up to join as the parents saw the progress made by the first child.

I am a Case Manger for an at-risk youth program. Homelessness is an obstacle that many of them experience. I reached out to AAMAN for assistance on two separate occasions and I received a response immediately. After we were able to verify age and identity of the youth, AAMAN provided a voucher to cover the cost of a motel. The motel room provided a safe, clean and dry place for them to sleep while they were being connected to additional resources. It was a huge help!

To Mr. Cecil Adams and the members of the African American Mutual Assistance Network, I just want to express my extreme gratitude for your generosity and kindness you showed to me by helping with my rent. You and your organization went above and beyond anything I have experienced during an extremely difficult and stressful time in my life. My illness has taken a hard toll on my life circumstances and your gift has renewed my belief in the goodness of strangers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Sincerely, Suzanne Bauerly.

My experience with AAMAN has been phenomenal, the degree of help that I’ve greatly obtained is outstanding. I reached out to AAMAN in a time of need and from that moment forward I reached a high I never imagined.

The African American Mutual Assistance Network is a fantastic organization that excels at working collaboratively in their community in an effort to truly make a difference in the lives of those served. Passion, experience, inclusivity, and positive vibes are all characteristics that come to mind when thinking about AAMAN.

I sent my now 8 year old son to the reading program that Val managed and ran. He came into the program at the age of 3 with very little knowledge of letters or words and by the third week I could see great improvement. He still reads, spells and comprehends math much better then many of his classmates. I attribute his success to all that was taught to him through AAMANS reading program.


In addition to the great job AAMAN did with their reading program; I appreciated the opportunity to volunteer with the organization learning how they teach these young people how to read. I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone wanting to give their child and head start with reading, phonics, and even math.

Every experience that we have had with AAMAN has been excellent. They are always exceptionally generous and helpful.

I was new to the area, and trying to find a community of people that looked like me. I reached out and found AAMAN and they have been awesome. My transition to WI has been pleasant a one, which is party due to the relationships and friendships from AAMAN. AAMAN has been a huge benefit to the community and am happy that I have the opportunity to help support the mission and vision of this wonderful organization.

What more amazing things can I say about this nonprofit organization! The love they have for children, education, bringing people together, their company and teaching people to NOT tolerate each other but to accept, love, understand and open their hearts to one another is extraordinary and beautiful !

Thank you AAMAN for teaching my two children how to read! My son and daughter started learning at AAMAN in 2013. My son was 5 years-old and entering Kindergarten. My daughter was entering 3 year-old preschool. They both knew their alphabet and a few site words. Of course, our son knew more because he was older. But, neither of them were reading above their grade levels when they started at AAMAN. After graduating from the program, they were both reading above their grade levels. My daughter actually skipped 4-year-old preschool and enrolled directly in Kindergarten, primarily because of her advanced reading skills. Both kids have been strong readers ever since.

I started volunteering at the Clara Fields school two months ago and have been beyond impressed by not only the love and care every child receives from all the other volunteers and interns, but also by the sheer amount of improvement I have seen in the children in such a short time span! It is a tribute to Val and Cecil's passion, kindness, and devotion that program is such a success. They create an environment of safety and love for everyone at the school while at the same time fostering an incredible learning environment. I have seen 4 year olds performing at levels I would expect from 7 or 8 year olds! Not only that, but these kids are excited to come learn and have fun doing so at Clara Fields. My only regret in volunteering here is that I did not start sooner! I cannot say enough good things about the Clara Fields School!

I was a volunteer teacher for a year and a half and was astounded by the children's ability and readiness to learn reading, writing, and phonics. The children that come out of the pre-literacy program are exposed to such rich content in a nurturing environment. They will thrive in school and in their lives because of this program. I strongly believe in Val and Cecil's goals for these kids and the community because of the positive effects on the children. It was truly one of my greatest joys to work with them during my time as an undergraduate student.

I am an intern with the Clara Fields Multicultural Literacy Program, looking forward to completing my degree in Elementary Education. I have absolutely loved my experience so far!! Cecil and Val are two of the most amazing, genuine, dedicated people I know. It has been my pleasure to work for them and help out the program. As a teacher in the Literacy Program, I can truly state that every child loved, nurtured, and taught to the best of the volunteer teachers ability. They will go on to school to excel, not only in reading, but also in life skills. Every event during the day is a lesson, and every student will leave the program a better reader and a better person. I am humbled and amazed that I get to be a part of this amazing program, and can truly say that this has been one of the best experiences of my life!

I helped with the Juneteenth 2016 event as a DJ and was really impressed how Cecil Adams had everything organized. He was a pleasure to work with and I was glad to be able to help out the community. Thank you!

I was blessed to be a volunteer teacher for a year and half. There is nothing but love and joy poured into this program. These kids have a clear head start in their education and I believe it will take them far in life. I went into this volunteer experience thinking I was going to help them, but instead this program and those kids helped me. They helped me discover my love for teaching the next generation.

Cecil and Valjean Adams are truly making a difference in this community with their commitment, compassion, and zeal.

Much is happening under the umbrella of AAMAN. Two programs in particular stand out for me: the We the People program and the Clara Fields Literacy school, which graduates excellent readers at a very young age.

This is my 27th year of home education. My vast experience with one-on- one and small group interaction and tutoring has shown me the superiority of this methodology, which is practiced with AAMAN.

As a Constitutionalist, I am excited about having been a Presenter with this program. Plans are to revamp and start again -- as we will be teaching teens and adults solid understanding of Civics, Good Character, and the Constitution.

Solid training in the above principles, equips learners for employment readiness and/or higher education.

I was fortunate to be able to be involved with the AAMAN's 2016 Juneteenth event. The organization exhibited great warmth and hospitality to all those who volunteered and participated in the event. Community members were greeted with enthusiasm and were able to participate in a wide range of socially, culturally, and historically significant events. As a volunteer, I was received warmly by all those helping to run the event. I believe that AAMAN is doing an excellent job catering to the needs of the community. They are helping to build bridges of trust and communication between community members. I applaud their efforts!

I have heard nothing but amazing things about this organization and the walking "examples" and "proof" are the children. Smiling, happy and most importantly...educated! The love that Mr. and Mrs. Adams have for these children and their passion for teaching is heartwarming and is missing in so many schools. God Bless them!

My daughter has made huge gains by being a part if their literacy program. She started when she was 3 1/2 and now that she just turned 4, she is already working on phonics. The staff there is nice, and they have a small student to teacher ratio which makes the program very effective.

We supported AAMAN do to their Youth Services. Their Pre-k Literacy services for 3-5 year old children is an excellent early childhood education program and their Next Step Program that services 9th to 12th graders is designed to assist these youth to choose a career and/or secure gainful employment.

Because of the organization's low cost and target populations, I was moved to donate funding and supplies to help further their cause, goals and purpose.

Their literature class for my 3 year old daughter has greatly helped her improve her expression and communication skills.. There has never been a moment of regret but appreciation for the team. My little princess always looks forward to going daily.. And the affordability is a little fraction of what we receive.

I have three children, two of which are in middle school, and I wish this organization was around for them. I am happy I have a small child that I was able to enroll into the program. I was referred by a close friend who's child graduated the program recently. I was just amazed at how advanced their child was and needed to know where their child went. I drove right down to their office and enrolled my child that day. My daughter loves both Mr. & Mrs. Adams and can't wait to go learn, sing songs and have fun. They are truly a blessing!!!!!

Cecil and Valjean Adams do a wonderful job teaching young children how to red. The classes are outstanding and a child will learn to read at a very high level in a short period of time. My only issue - I wish they continued the program through 1-2 grades in the summer. I want more of their classes for my child.

Wow! There are so many wonderful things to say about Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Adams. They are a pillar in the community and love helping children advance. Needless to say, I have spread the word to all family and friends as I believe the Clara Fields Multicultural Literacy Program needs to be the foundation to every childs education.

African American Mutual Assistnace Network is an outstanding organization that provides educational, and social needs for those in need in our community. I am energized by their energy and contributions that they provide to the community and I am so proud and blessed to be a volunteer with the organization.
The agency provides endless hours to help those in need. Only positive outcomes for the community with their hard work and love for others.

Cecil and Valjean Adams are outstanding leaders in our community, ensuring that young children are well prepared to enter school and that older kids receive mentorship opportunities. As we know, providing a great base for young children is imperative for later school success; through their Clara Fields reading program, young children are given tools needed to ensure that they are great students, which not only helps the students, but insures that the served-communities also benefit. I have seen first hand the great success stories they have fostered, and we are very lucky to have AAMAN here in Western Wisconsin.

The work they do with the very young is profound. My children have become readers at 4 1/2 years old and their confidence is over flowing. My daughter said her favorite part of the day was being able to read the most difficult Dick and Jane (blue) book. She went on to express how proud she was to be reading on her own. The caring adult volunteers are equally proud of her.

That confidence makes school a breeze and they can focus on more advanced work. This would not have been possible without this early learning.

Donations are needed to keep this going to keep this important work going.

For the past 2 years, I was a volunteer at a public school, 8 hours a week with 2 kindergarten classes. I was able to see what the teachers had to contend with: 16 students in a class, each with varying degrees of reading skills. These were 5-year olds, some of whom didn't even know "the ABC song!" When I volunteered at the Clara Fields Literacy Program this past summer, I could see a world of difference. I helped 3-year olds learn to recognize and write the capital letters, then progress to lower-case letters -- always making sure that they could write those letters. It is a step-by-step process, but before long those 3 and 4 year old children were able to read words -- and then BOOKS! What an amazing and dedicated group of people!

Our national reading, math, and problem solving test scores continue to decline in global comparison. This program is outside the box, exactly what we need to start doing on a large scale to re-estalish competitiveness. I am not only proud to have a 4 year old who can read (and is very articulate for her
age) but I'm also excited and thankful to have the opportunity to support this program. The Adams' are so cool. The volunteers are patient and loving with the kids. My child loves her reading class. This is the best kept secret around ...and shouldn't be!

Clara Fields Multicultural Literacy program is wonderful. Mrs & Mr Adams and all the volunteers are patient and dedicated to teaching the art of reading to young child. My children left confident and able to read level 2 books.

I was very curious about the African-American Mutual Assistance Network's Clara Fields Multi-cultural Literacy Program until I received an email from my very good friend Margie. Margie shared AAMAN's Press Release of their "Top-Rated Children & Families Nonprofit" standing they received from GrateNonprofits. Then I received my Coulee Parenting Magazine, and there they were again; there is no need for further curiosity. I am looking forward to joining their literacy program and felt I needed to give a positive voice to an African-American organization in our community.

As a single parent of two children, ages 3 and 4-years old, I know the importance of reading. I myself was functionally illiterate. Times are hard for me these days and I find myself not having the time to teach my kids. I placed them is so called "Daycare Preschool" and I'm very disappointed. I asked around, friends and family members, if they knew of an affordable preschool literacy programs? Five out of six said, Mrs. Adams' literacy program. I check them out on the web at: http://aaman.us/fields.html and was very impressed. I trust my friends and family so I intend to enroll both my kids in Mrs. Adams' literacy program!

Many people has contacted me and asked if I knew anything about the Clara Fields Multicultural Literacy Program; I said, well of course. You see, my daughter was one of the lucky ones that got the benefit of Mrs. Adams' teaching. They wanted my opinion because they were thinking about registering their kids. I responded, "there is nothing to think about, do it!"

My daughter's best friend attends the Clara Fields Multicultural Literacy Program. Every night that we have a sleepover, her best friend reads a new book to all of us. Honestly, I thought she was reading from memory. Then one night, she got one of my daughter's books we checked out from the library and began to read. My daughter no longer has to ask, "Mommy can I go".

I have, without hesitation, donated to AAMAN's Youth Programs since 2003. I will continue to support AAMAN, not just because of its leadership, but because of their commitment to the health, education and welfare of our Nation's youth.

I volunteer at the site far less than I would like to. However, when I do get to see the children, the development that transpired has been tremendous. This program will place the children far above their peers in the classroom. In a time when school budgets continue to shrink and teachers will be faced with growing class sizes, this sort of advantage will be invaluable. Let's face it; there will probably never be a time again when a child will be able to receive the student to teacher ratio that is provided through the Clara Fields Multicultural Literacy Program.

This organization has had a big impact on my life. I have been working with them for about ten years, before the organization was established and continue to work with them. Kids my age need to understand just how important education is to their future. I am excited to see the growth daily and every family should be involved.

This non-profit organization is vital to the community, education and the public. With so many problems going on in the United States as it pertains to education, I believe this is the way to reach the children and educate them. Schools are closing every day and funding is being cut. We are so fortunate to have this organization and I believe I can speak for others when I say, we are eagerly waiting for this to reach other communities.

I would first like to say that I wish there were more organizations like this and more individuals in today's society that were like Mr. & Mrs. Adams. What a blessing they are to the community, children, parents and everyone they meet. They have the biggest hearts and are so dedicated to the education of children. They have been working with my daughter for the past twelve years and with me being a single parent, this meant so much to me. Due to their love, support and dedication to her education, she not only entered kindergarten knowing how to read an write (colors, numbers, shapes, sounds, etc.) but has been on the honor roll ever since. She will be finishing seventh grade in June. What an inspiration they have been to myself and my child. They are true angels on earth.

Mrs. Adams, Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher. You've had a great influence on Ginny, she loved coming to your class every morning, even when grandparents were visiting. I'll miss seeing you every day but look forward to Jane being in your class. With great respect, Jamie!

Mrs. Adams, What a blessing you are and have been to our family and Kylie! You have been such an instrument in helping Kylie become prepared for kindergarten. Thank you for your diligence, patience, flexibility and love you show towards each child!

Mrs. Adams, I would just like to say that I am ever so thankful that my baby Jaybriel had the chance to have you as a teacher. She has learned so much in the past year and I have noticed a big change in her behavior. I am confident that she will do very good and make it through her first year in "Big Girl" school. Thank you so much for all that you do. God Bless Danielle Person

I am a single parent, mother of three young girls living in La Crosse, WI. Reading is very important to me and my girls. We do not have transportation and sometimes can't returns books we checkout from the library on time. This caused us to have overdue fees. I couldn't pay the fees, so we did without books for a long while. Then one day my oldest daughter's friend told us the library paid her overdue fees. We ran down to the library and it was true! I had to know about the program and was told it was because of the African American Mutual Assistance Network, Inc. special grant. God Bless AAMAN!

As a young boy of 17 I knew it all. I had all the answers. The world revolved around me, until I met Mr. Cecil! Mr. Cecil, I thought was about 35 or so I didn't know when I met him he was 60-years old. He had his own business so I felt I could easily run my game on him; little did I know. Mr. Cecil asked me one question, "where do I see myself in 5-years?" I knew this was my opportunity to plant my seed. I answered, "owning my own business." That lead to a list of questions from Mr. Cecil I couldn't answer. Before I know it, I found myself interested in business. Mr. Cecil's game was stronger and he had more experience. Now as a young man at age 25, with the help of AAMAN, I now own my own Hip Hop Clothing Store.

It is with a life long commitment to learners and a strong call to advocacy of people in low-income families that I wish to serve Camp AAMAN by sponsoring a child to attend Camp AAMAN. The African-American Mutual Assistance Network is addressing the need of communities that are lacking programs that assist low-income households during a most vulnerable time for kids (Summer). Providing a safe and fun learning environment at little or no cost to these low-income parents to send their children to a day camp is a service worth supporting.

I must thank Mrs. Adams for her guidance throughout the past 2-yeas working with Alana. Her personal and academic growth has been tremendous this past year thanks to your endless patience and support. Your Literacy Program should be awarded! Always, Mat & Kristen O'Brien